Play classic slots online in Canada 2024

Classic slots are some of the first online slot machines to be invented and take inspiration from the flashy casino floors of Sin City. They have a charming vintage appeal, so you can expect to see BARS, 7s, bells and fruit symbols on the reels.

Although slots have evolved to include more complex mechanics, countless betting options and newer themes, classic slots keep things simple. Usually consisting of three reels and three rows, you can spin the reels with ease, making them the perfect option for beginners.

Enjoy online slot gameplay in its purest form with these simple games. Read on to learn more about classic slot features and the highest-paying options.

There aren’t many classic slots with diverse themes and innovative bonus games, but the flashing lights and ringing sounds allow you to enjoy a Vegas-style experience. Here are the key features of classic slot games:

You need no prior knowledge or skill to play classic slots online, as they feature simple gameplay and few bonus features. This makes them great for beginners looking for fast-paced gaming and quick payouts.

Most classic online slots consist of three reels, three rows, and up to five paylines. Some games are a little more diverse, like Cash Bonanza, which boasts 4,096 ways to win, but the general idea is few reels and limited paylines to keep the gameplay simple.

Compared to video slots, it’s rare to find classic slot games with high maximum bets. The betting limit usually ranges from $0.01 to $100 per spin, whereas some modern slots have limits that exceed $1,000. As a result, classic slot payouts are often lower, but the potential to win big from smaller bets is much higher.

You won’t find many classic slots with special symbols, wilds, multipliers and bonuses, but that’s not to say they don’t have any extra features. Some have a nudge feature, which allows you to move one symbol onto an active payline to help you form winning combinations. There’s also a hold feature, allowing you to spin one reel and hold the others in place to try to land the symbol you need to form a winning combo.

You won’t get closer to the look and feel of a traditional slot machine than by playing classic slots online. The design mimics old-school slot machines with fruits, bells and BAR symbols on the reels, straightforward paytables and retro themes. Although they may look old, you don’t have to worry about performance while playing. Leading software providers have developed classic slot games, ensuring smooth gameplay.

Some classic casino slots have a joker feature, which acts as a wild symbol. The joker will allow you to substitute one symbol for another to help you create a winning combination on a payline. Games with this feature often have the name reflected in the title, such as Mega Joker by NetEnt and Mystery Joker by Play’n Go.

Although classic slots lack exciting features and bonuses, their simple gameplay makes them a hit with players, particularly beginners. If you want to see how they compare to other slot types, we’ve broken down the pros and cons of playing classic slots online below:

So, you’re ready to play a slot classic, but unsure of how to get started? Follow these quick and easy steps to kick-start your experience:

Slot payout percentages are reflected in the return to player (RTP) figure. This shows how much a game returns for every $1 spent on average. While you can't guarantee you'll win more on a high RTP slot, it's a key indicator of a game's payout potential and can help you protect your investment when betting. 

The industry average RTP is 96%, but many games, including classic slots, have higher percentages. Here are the classic slots with the highest payout potential:

Classic slot games are developed by many of the leading software providers, including industry giants like Games Global (formerly Microgaming), NetEnt, Playtech, Pragmatic Play, BetSoft and IGT. Learn more about each of these developers below:

One of the most crucial considerations is game quality. We assess game performance, design and graphics on desktop and mobile to ensure smooth and slick gameplay.

We only recommend licensed online casinos and software developers for your security. Rest assured the classic slots featured use RNG technology to ensure games can’t be rigged. Many of the casinos in our toplist are also independently tested by accredited agencies like eCogra to ensure fair gameplay.

Our experts consider jackpots, payout and RTP when reviewing slot games. Theoretically, high RTP games payout more but low RTP games tend to offer bigger payouts. To ensure we cater to all preferences, we look for gambling sites that provide a wide selection of slot games.

All real money online casinos offer promotions, such as welcome bonuses, free spins, deposit matches and no deposit bonuses. However, finding promos that are worth claiming can be a challenge. We read the small print and consider wagering requirements, game restrictions and payout limitations to help you get the most out of your gameplay.

Online slot fans are lucky considering the various slot games available to play. From 3-reel slot classics to Megaways with thousands of paylines, you’ll find tons of options at the best online casinos in Canada:

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